# 174. What’s Really Happening with the Large Animal Vet Shortage with Dr. Leslie Easterwood

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/leaders-of-the-west-6421738/174-what-s-really-happening-with-the-large-animal-vet-shortage-with-dr-leslie-easterwood
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/leaders-of-the-west-6421738/174-what-s-really-happening-with-the-large-animal-vet-shortage-with-dr-leslie-easterwood.md
Podcast: [Leaders Of The West](https://stenobird.com/podcast/leaders-of-the-west-6421738)
Published: 2026-09-22T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://ofthewest.co/blog
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b4fd4e02-3a57-466f-afc4-68bcd8605599.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/leaders-of-the-west-6421738/episodes/174-what-s-really-happening-with-the-large-animal-vet-shortage-with-dr-leslie-easterwood
Duration seconds: 2505

## Resource

If you own horses or cattle, chances are you've felt the large animal veterinarian shortage firsthand. Maybe your longtime vet retired with no one to take their place, or getting an appointment that once took a phone call now means waiting weeks. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Leslie Easterwood, clinical educator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime leader with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She shares her path from livestock show kid to equine veterinarian and educator, then takes us inside the challenges facing large animal veterinary medicine today. We talk about why veterinarians are leaving equine and rural practice, the impact of student debt, work-life balance and mental health, and what organizations are doing to change that trajectory. Dr. Easterwood also shares how clients can better support their veterinarians and why she remains incredibly optimistic about the future of the profession. Whether you're a livestock owner, horse owner, or a student considering veterinary medicine, this is an important conversation about a shortage that affects all of agriculture. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dr. Easterwood: Visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) website Visit The Foundation for The Horse website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Don Clifton Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate Program The Future of Equine Practitioners Symposium OEPS Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Descr…

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